Commander of the Air Force Operations I, Indonesian Air Force, Air Commodore Yuyu Sutisna, said Indonesia is ready to face any scenario that may emerge in relation to the dispute in the South China Sea.

"We are not involved in the conflict, yet we must be prepared for any possibility," Yuyu said here on Tuesday.

He said the Natuna air base, located close to the South China Sea region, has been now categorized as type B.

"With the enhancement of this classification, there will be required infrastructural development that will happen in stages at the air base, and in regard to the show of military force," he added.

According to Yuyu, the six other air bases that have seen improvement are Padang (West Sumatra), Palembang (South Sumatra), Tarakan (East Kalimantan), Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara), Marotai (East Nusa Tenggara) and Marauke (Papua).

He said improvements at these seven air bases were based on the needs and demands of the regions, including their rapid development, need to keep pace with better technology as well as to counter threats from within and outside the country.

In addition, certain improvements were also associated with the need to distribute aid in case of any disaster.

Yuyu said such improvements were part of the efforts by the Indonesian Air Force to maintain the sovereignty of the countrys territory.
 

Source: ANTARA